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Sizzle Acquisition Corp. Announces Approval Of Extension Of Deadline To Complete Business Combination To Form Critical Metals Corp.
European Lithium Limited (ASX: EUR, FRA:PF8, OTC: EULIF) (the Company) is pleased to advise that Sizzle Acquisition Corp, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (Nasdaq: SZZL) (Sizzle), received approval at a special meeting of stockholders held on February 1, 2023 to extend the date by which it must consummate an initial business combination (the Transaction) from February 8, 2023 to August 8, 2023, or such earlier date as determined by Sizzle’s Board of Directors (the Extension).
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sizzle Acquisition Corp. approve extension of deadline to complete the business combination with EUR to form Critical Metals Corp.
Upon closing of the Transaction, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2023, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, European Lithium AT (Investments) Ltd and its subsidiaries, ECM Lithium AT GmbH and ECM Lithium AT Operating GmbH, will merge with Sizzle to form Critical Metals, which is expected to be a leading lithium mining company and intends to list its shares on NASDAQ under the symbol “CRML.” EUR will be the largest shareholder of Critical Metals and continue to be listed on the ASX as a mining exploration and development company.
The Transaction is subject to approval by Sizzle shareholders, the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-4 under the U.S. securities laws, and other customary requirements.
This announcement has been approved for release on ASX by the Board of Directors.
This article includes content from European Lithium Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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European Lithium
Overview
As the global push to halt climate change gains momentum, the European Commission is looking to regionalize the battery supply chain to capitalize on the rapid electric vehicle (EV) growth and limit its dependency on other countries through heavy investment and policy changes. Europe’s electric vehicle market value reached US$29.49 million in 2021 and is projected to increase up to US$143.08 million by 2027, indicating a compounded annual growth rate of 23.4 percent in that period.
Even though Europe is one of the largest global producers of motor vehicles, it currently does not have a local supply of lithium hydroxide which is heavily used in EV battery technology. According to experts, the market is set to remain in a structural shortage until 2025
One company that aims to become the first local lithium supplier into an integrated European battery supply chain is European Lithium (ASX:EUR,FRA:PF8), a mining exploration and development company focused on exploring, identifying and acquiring lithium in Europe. The company is led by a management team with decades of experience and success in the mining and finance markets.“Our aim is to be the first supplier of lithium from Europe, for Europe,” European Lithium chairman Tony Sage said.
The company is focused on its wholly owned Wolfsberg Lithium project located in Carinthia, Austria. The pre-existing mine is located in a mining-friendly region with multiple mineral discoveries in the surrounding area. The property features a high-grade lithium resource at an average grade of one percent lithium hydroxide, with a total resource of 12.88 million tonnes based on resources measured, indicated and inferred in zone 1 only.
The Wolfsberg Lithium project resource has the potential to double based on positive drill results in another zone on the property.
Based on the definitive feasibility study (DFS) released in March 2023, Wolfsberg Lithium Project is well positioned to become a leading producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide in Europe. It is set to deliver high returns, leveraging low operating costs, and benefiting from a lithium market that is anticipated to be in structural undersupply during most of the life of mine. The battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) prices modeled in the DFS are projected to be at a 39-percent discount to current spot prices in 2025 and then escalate by 2 percent per annum. The estimated capex is US$866 million which supports a post-tax NPV of US$1.5 billion.
European Lithium has established several strategic relationships with an aim to deliver value to the Wolfsberg Lithium Project through development and during production. This includes a partnership with KMI for liaising with Austrian authorities.
The company commissioned Dorfner Anzaplan to construct the pilot plant, which was successfully completed on schedule. Anzaplan has also overseen the completion of metallurgical test work on bulk ore extractions. Testing will allow significantly higher recovery rates at the start of production as opposed to only assessing metallurgical data from the core as other mining companies often do, giving European Lithium the advantage of a streamline refinement process.
The company has support from the European Battery Alliance, GREENPEG and other government initiatives, believing it has the potential to become a major, first-to-market producer of lithium in Europe. The company also remains committed to clean production in an effort to support sustainability.
Based on the DFS, the company plans to begin the permitting process of its Wolfsberg Lithium project and prepare the mining plan for the mining authority to authorize the mine and concentrator construction. Afterward, the company will determine the approval requirements of the carbonate hydroxide conversion plant with the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and then initiate the final financing plan.
European Lithium, through its wholly owned Austrian subsidiary ECM Lithium Aľ GmbH (ECM), signed a binding long-term lithium offtake agreement with top-tier European auto manufacturer BMW to secure the company’s first offtake of battery grade lithium hydroxide from its Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria.
The company is aiming to commence production of lithium hydroxide from the project in 2027 — subject to funding and approvals by the Austrian government.
In a bid to expand its project portfolio, European Lithium executed a binding Heads of Agreement with 2743718 Ontario Inc., a subsidiary of Richmond Minerals (TSXVRMD), to acquire 100 percent of the rights, title and interest in the Bretstein-Lachtal Project, Klementkogel Project and the Wildbachgraben Project, a group of exploration licenses covering 114.6 square kilometers, targeting lithium with known occurrences in the Styria mining district of Austria.Company Highlights
- European Lithium is a mining exploration and development company focused on exploring, identifying and acquiring lithium in Europe.
- The company aims to become the first local lithium supplier into an integrated European battery supply chain.
- The company’s focus is on its wholly owned advanced Wolfsberg Lithium Project (Wolfsberg) located in Carinthia, Austria.
- Wolfsberg is a high-grade lithium resource at an average grade of one percent lithium oxide, with a total resource of 12.88 million tonnes based on measured, indicated and inferred resources in zone one only.
- Wolfsberg’s definitive feasibility study results demonstrate potential to deliver high returns, leveraging low operating costs, and benefiting from a lithium market that is anticipated to be in structural undersupply during most of the life of mine.
- The Wolfsberg resource estimate has significant upside with the potential to double based on positive drill results.
- Through its wholly owned Austrian subsidiary ECM Lithium Aľ GmbH (ECM), European Lithium signed a binding long-term lithium offtake agreement with top-tier European auto manufacturer BMW AG (BMW) to secure the company’s first offtake of battery-grade lithium hydroxide from Wolfsberg.
- The company has signed a binding agreement to build a Saudi Arabia-based hydroxide processing plant in partnership with Obeikan and deliver significant cost savings.
- The company is led by a management team with decades of experience and success in the mining and finance markets.
- European Lithium entered into a business combination agreement with Sizzle Acquisition, a US special purpose acquisition company, to which European Lithium will sell down its interest in its wholly owned Wolfsberg Lithium Project (Wolfsberg and Wolfsberg Lithium Project) and merge with Sizzle via a newly formed, lithium exploration and development company named, Critical Metals Corp.
- European Lithium has acquired 100 percent of the rights, title and interest in the Bretstein-Lachtal Project, Klementkogel Project and the Wildbachgraben Project, a group of exploration licenses covering 114.6 square kilometers, targeting lithium with known occurrences in the Styria mining district of Austria and nearby the Wolfsberg Lithium Project
- The company received high-grade lithium assays from sampling undertaken at various prospects within the Eastern Alps Lithium Satellite Projects, located in Austria, which are held 20 percent by European Lithium and 80 percent by EV Resources Limited (ASX: EVR).
Key Project
Wolfsberg Lithium Project
The Wolfsberg Lithium Project is a high-grade lithium project located in Carinthia in Austria. The project is 20 kilometers east of the town of Wolfsberg which is an industrial town with established infrastructure and sources of energy in place. European Lithium has a total of 54 exploration licenses, covering its two identified zones and mining licenses that may be permanently issued if conditions are met. The company recently secured additional mining licenses and extensions that grow the Wolfsberg project area to a total of 20 licenses over two mining fields, the original Andreas and new Barbara mining fields.
The property is an existing, developed exploration mine with substantial exploration and development work completed by previous owners. These projects were backed by the Austrian government and included extensive metallurgical testing, geological mapping, mining, and pre-feasibility studies in the 1980s.
The company completed its own positive PFS as well as an extensive assessment. The property features a high-grade lithium resource with an average of one percent lithium hydroxide. Additionally, it features a total measured, indicated, inferred and JORC-compliant resource of 12.88 million tonnes of lithium hydroxide in zone one only.
In 2023, European Lithium released the results of its definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the Wolfsberg Lithium Project, demonstrating potential high returns, leveraging low operating costs, and benefiting from a lithium market which is anticipated to be in structural undersupply during most of the life of mine.
DFS highlights:
- Battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) production is ~8,800 tpa for 14.6 years;
- LHM opex (after byproducts) is US$17,016/t LHM on average compared to reported spot prices for LHM in February 2023 of US$79,500 DDP Antwerp;
- LHM prices modelled in the DFS are projected to be at a 39-percent discount to current spot prices in 2025 and then escalate by 2 percent per annum;
- Estimated capex is US$866 million which supports a post-tax NPV of US$1.5 billion @ weighted average cost of capital (WACC) 6 percent (WACC is determined by the split of debt and equity related to the BMW offtake agreement);
- Acceleration of decarbonization and energy transition in Europe combined with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles provides further upside.
Positive drill results from the 2018 drilling program confirm that zone two on the property could mirror zone one, which would double the project resource. Drilling on the property also revealed grades as high as 2.49 percent of lithium hydroxide.
European Lithium entered into a business combination agreement with Sizzle Acquisition Corp.(NASDAQ:SZZL), a US special purpose acquisition company, to which European Lithium will sell-down its interest in its wholly owned Wolfsberg Lithium Project (Wolfsberg and Wolfsberg Lithium Project) and merge with Sizzle via a newly formed, lithium exploration and development company named, Critical Metals Corp. European Lithium will be issued US$750 million worth of ordinary shares in Critical Metals, equivalent to approximately 80 percent of the ordinary shares in Critical Metals.
Once the business combination is completed, European Lithium will focus its activities on its existing portfolio of projects and investments, including the newly acquired Austrian Lithium Projects, consisting of 245 exploration licenses covering a total area of 114.6 square kilometers located approximately 70 kilometers north of the company’s Wolfsberg Lithium Project. The licenses cover ground that is considered prospective for lithium occurrences and initial surface sampling showing 3.98 percent lithium oxide.
The following summarizes the company’s interest in projects and investments:
- CRML – As outlined above, the company will be issued US$750 million worth of ordinary shares in CRML upon closing of the transaction.
- Listed investments – The company holds:
- 1,180,256,849 shares (representing 11.5 percent interest) in Cyclone Metals (ASX: CLE). CLE has recently acquired 100 percent of the Block 103 magnetite iron ore project located in the Labrador trough region of Canada.
- 15 million shares in Cufe Ltd (ASX: CUF).
- Unlisted investments – European Lithium holds a 7.5-percent equity interest in Tanbreez Mining Greenland A/S, which holds an exploitation permit for rare earths in Greenland.
- Exploration assets – European Lithium has an interest in:
- Austrian Lithium Project –100 percent of the rights, title and interest in the Bretstein-Lachtal, Klementkogel and Wildbachgraben projects covering an area of 114.6 square kilometers in total, which are prospective for lithium in Austria.
- Ukraine Projects - On 28 February 2023, the company announced that it had renegotiated the terms under which EUR will acquire European Lithium Ukraine LLC (European Lithium Ukraine), a Ukraine-incorporated company applying (through either court proceedings, public auction and/or production sharing agreement with the Ukraine Government) for 20-year special permits for the extraction and production of lithium at the Shevchenkivske Project and Dobra Project in Ukraine. On 28 February 2023, the company announced the end date to complete the acquisition has been extended to 2 November 2025.
In addition to the above, the company continues to review project opportunities in the mineral exploration area as part of its growth strategy.
Management Team
Dietrich Wanke - Chief Executive Officer
Dietrich Wanke has more than 30 years of experience in management at the operational level for underground and open-cut mines. Wanke has held statutory positions as registered manager under the applicable mining acts in several countries and commodities, most notably gold, silver, nickel, diamonds, coal, and iron. He has lived and served professionally for mining operations in Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Wanke has managed mining operations through all phases, starting from greenfield exploration to full-scale production, as well as the extension of existing mines. Wanke currently holds a position as general manager for Marampa Iron Ore in Sierra Leone. He’s worked in the past as general manager for Tolukuma Gold Mines in Papua New Guinea, mine manager for Atlas Iron in Western Australia, technical services manager for Thiess in Indonesia. Wanke served as mine manager for Kimberley Diamonds in Western Australia, technical services manager for Lightning Nickel in Western Australia, technical director for LMV, an engineering and surveying service provider for coal mines in Germany, technical services manager, and licensed surveyor for Laubag in Germany. Wanke holds a mine engineering/mine surveying degree from Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, a licensed mine surveyor’s certificate in Germany and first class mine manager's certificates in Western Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Melissa Chapman - CFO and Company Secretary
Melissa Chapman is a certified practicing accountant with over 14 years of experience in the mining industry. She has worked extensively in Australia and the United Kingdom, including five years as group financial controller for the Beny Steinmetz Group. Chapman has a bachelor of accounting from Murdoch University and has been a member of CPA Australia since 2000. Chapman has completed a graduate diploma in corporate governance with Chartered Secretaries of Australia.
Tony Sage - Chairman
Tony Sage has more than 35 years of experience in corporate advisory services, funds management, and capital raising, predominantly within the resource sector. Sage is based in Western Australia and has been involved in the management and financing of listed mining companies for the last 22 years. Sage has operated in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, South Africa, Indonesia, China, and Australia. He currently holds the positions of executive chairman of ASX-listed Fe and executive director of ASX-listed Cyclone Metals.
Malcolm Day - Director
Malcolm Day holds a Bachelor’s of applied science degree in surveying and mapping. Day commenced his career working in the civil construction industry for 10 years, six of which were spent in senior management as a licensed surveyor and then later as a civil engineer. Whilst working as a surveyor, Day spent three years conducting mining and exploration surveys in remote Western Australia. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Day is the managing director of Delecta (ASX:DLC).
Michael Carter - Non-executive Director
Michael Carter graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1998 with a bachelor of commerce degree, majoring in accounting and finance. Carter also completed a graduate diploma in applied finance and investment at Finsia in 2002. He is experienced in structuring corporate transactions, focusing on junior resource companies, and has also worked in ongoing corporate advisory roles with numerous ASX-listed entities over the last 18 years. Carter has been employed as a stockbroker since 1999, previously served as a director of Indian Ocean Capita’ and is currently an associate director of CPS Capital.
Pilot Plant Commences First Phase of Operations
Pursuit Minerals Ltd (ASX: PUR) (“PUR”, “Pursuit” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide the following update on key developments for its Lithium Carbonate Pilot Plant which has commenced the first phase of operations to produce Lithium Carbonate.
- Pilot Plant commissioning complete with first phase of operations for the production of Lithium Carbonate underway.
- Completion of dynamic simulation, mass balances and plant layout design conceptually producing 250 tonnes per annum of 99.95% battery grade Lithium Carbonate via conventional evaporation process method.
- Engagement of Ausenco to complete independent peer review study of the 250 tonne per annum plant design, block flow process, and evaporation pond design.
- Engagement of highly experienced engineering team to oversee and manage plant operations and first production of Lithium Carbonate.
Figure 1 – 250tpa Lithium Carbonate Plant at Pursuit’s purpose facility in Salta, Argentina.
The Company has completed the commissioning works of the Lithium Carbonate Pilot Plant and will now begin operations with the overall goal of producing battery grade Lithium Carbonate. The Pilot Plant will look to produce an initial sample batch using synthetic brine of approximately 50-100kg of product.
Following completion of this milestone, evaporated brine, currently being sourced from the Stage 1 Drilling Program, will be utilised to produce approximately 2 to 10 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate products anticipated to be battery grade product. After this, the Company will consider relocation of the Pilot Plant to site following the completion of construction and filling of evaporation ponds to provide feed for the plant.
Figure 2 – 250tpa Lithium Carbonate Plant at Pursuit’s purpose facility in Salta, Argentina.
In relation to the commencement of operations at the plant, Pursuit Managing Director & CEO, Aaron Revelle, said:
“The Rio Grande Sur Project continues to advance toward first production at a significant pace. With plant operations now underway, we look forward to the production of the first Lithium Carbonate products demonstrating the enormous potential of the Rio Grande Sur Lithium Project.”
In conjunction with our Stage 1 drilling program which is currently underway and the potential upgrade to our existing JORC resource, we continue to make significant progress on multiple fronts as we move toward becoming a Lithium producer. To this end, we continue to progress the environmental permitting applications to commence construction of the evaporation ponds which is currently being targeted for this year. The entire team is very excited about the production process, and we look forward to reporting on the results over the coming months.”
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Pursuit Minerals, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Comment on Chilean Government's Announcement
CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt: T2N, OTCQX: CTLHF), an exploration and development company advancing lithium projects in Chile, today commented on the announcement by the Government of Chile regarding the designation of strategic salars and the creation of a Protected Salars Network under the current administration's National Lithium Strategy.
Yesterday afternoon, in Chile, within the session held by the Committee of Ministers for Sustainability, led by the Minister of Environment, the creation of a Protected Salt Flats Network was unanimously approved. To achieve the aims of the National Lithium Strategy, it was agreed that private companies can take leadership roles on salars that are outside of the protected network and are not defined as strategic. CTL's non-strategic projects, remain outside areas declared as protected or that need further studies for such protection declaration, and therefore are still eligble for exploration and exploitation.
The Government set a clear path ahead, calling upon private companies from early April 2024 to express interest in the additional salars for lithium projects. It is expected that around July 2024, the Minister of Mining will list the salt flats where there is private sector interest in leading exploitation and exploration projects and those that require local indigenous consultations. After July, will see the allocation of the Special Lithium Operation Contracts (CEOLs), which are the special contracts the State awards regulating the terms and conditions for the exploitation, and benefit of the lithium reserves and permitting a salt flat to become a commercial project.
CleanTech Lithium has already expressed interest by submitting the CEOLs in September 2023, for Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin, with support from the local communities in the region.
Highlights:
- The Chilean Government, led by the Minister of Environment, has agreed on a network of protected salars that will require further environmental assessment.
- CTL's non-strategic projects; Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin remain outside areas declared as protected or that need further studies for such protection declaration.
- From April 2024, private companies can express their interest to develop salars outside of the protected network.
- It is expected that by July 2024, the Minister of Mining will list the salt flats where there is private sector interest in leading exploitation and exploration projects and those that require local indigenous consultations and those that do not.
- Approval of CEOLs will then be awarded by the State for these salars
- Private companies are able to take leadership in developing these new lithium projects, potentially in participation with State entities or on their own.
Following the announcement, the Finance Minister Mario Marcel commented that Chile's current production could increase up to 70% by the end of decade and double in ten years.
Aldo Boitano, Chief Executive Officer of CleanTech Lithium, said:
"The announcement made by the Chilean Government moves the National Lithium Strategy forward in a very positive way. The news brings certainity to those salt flats that will be subject to a more detailed environmental assessment and those that are for potential exploration and eventually exploitation. At CleanTech Lithium, we continue to progress our direct lithium extraction (DLE) projects, highlighting our commitment to mining that minimises its environmental footprint, and listens to the local communities in the Atacama Region, both of which are key conditions of the Chile's lithium strategic framework.
"The anticipated approval of our CEOLs, submitted in September 2023 by the Company, is the next step forward for our projects, while deepening our local community engagement with our existing alliance and deployment of DLE technology".
Notes:
The information communicated within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Gordon Stein, Director and CFO.
For further information contact: | ||
CleanTech Lithium PLC | ||
Aldo Boitano/Gordon Stein | Jersey office: +44 (0) 1534 668 321 Chile office: +562-32239222 | |
Or via Celicourt | ||
Celicourt Communications | +44 (0) 20 7770 6424 | |
Felicity Winkles/Philip Dennis/Ali AlQahtani | ||
Harbor Access - North America Jonathan Paterson/Lisa Micali | +1 475 477 9401 | |
Porter Novelli - Chile Ernesto Escobar | +569 95348744 Ernesto@publicoporternovelli.cl | |
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish/Asia Szusciak | +44 (0) 207 628 3396 | |
Canaccord Genuity (Joint Broker) James Asensio | +44 (0) 207 523 4680 | |
Fox-Davies Capital Limited (Joint Broker) | +44 20 3884 8450 | |
Daniel Fox-Davies |
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
About CleanTech Lithium
CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL, Frankfurt:T2N, OTCQX:CTLHF) is an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile for the clean energy transition. Committed to net-zero, CleanTech Lithium's mission is to produce material quantities of sustainable battery grade lithium products using Direct Lithium Extraction technology powered by renewable energy. The Company plans to be a leading supplier of 'green' lithium to the EV and battery manufacturing market.
CleanTech Lithium has two key lithium projects, Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin, and hold licences in Llamara and Salar de Atacama, located in the lithium triangle, a leading centre for battery grade lithium production. The two major projects: Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin are situated within basins controlled by the Company, which affords significant potential development and operational advantages. All four projects have direct access to existing infrastructure and renewable power.
CleanTech Lithium is committed to using renewable power for processing and reducing the environmental impact of its lithium production by utilising Direct Lithium Extraction with reinjection of spent brine. Direct Lithium Extraction is a transformative technology which removes lithium from brine, with higher recoveries than conventional processes. The method offers short development lead times with no extensive site construction or evaporation pond development so there is minimal water depletion from the aquifer. www.ctlithium.com
First Nations Engagement Key as Critical Minerals Boom Sweeps Canada
As Canada prepares to ramp up its efforts to supply the growing critical metals value chain, consulting with the country’s many First Nations communities is becoming more important than ever.
Demand for these key metals is projected to balloon over the next two decades. It is estimated that by 2050, 1.4 billion metric tons of copper will be required to facilitate electrification needs, with dozens of new mines needed.
For context, the total amount of copper mined throughout human history only tallies 700 million metric tons.
Looking beyond copper, a 2023 report from the Fraser Institute indicates that to achieve ambitious 2050 climate targets, the world will need at least 388 new mines focused on lithium, cobalt, nickel and other battery raw materials.
In Canada, many of these new mines will be in or adjacent to First Nations communities, which makes consultation and engagement a key priority in order to get the mines built. However, in recent months there have been several reports of First Nations communities opposing new projects. Most prominent has been the pushback on mining activity in Ontario’s Ring of Fire, and more broadly on the provincial government’s permitting process.
In 2023, the Ford government implemented legislation to expedite mine and access road permits. However, the Building More Mines Act is devoid of any mention of First Nations engagement despite previous assurances that local Indigenous communities would be consulted and apprised of mining-related activities on their lands.
Additionally, the current exploration permitting process in the province allows claims to be staked with virtually with no initial input from the communities this process may impact.
With those and other circumstances in mind, it's no surprise that the topic of improving relations between First Nations communities and the mining sector was a recurring theme at the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada convention (PDAC), held in early March. Here's what key stakeholders had to say.
Indigenous voices urge early and frequent contact
During a panel discussion at the convention titled "Where Exploration Meets Operations: Sustainable Value Chains for Critical Minerals," experts emphasized the significance of early and substantive involvement with Indigenous communities in the exploration and development phases of mining projects.
Among the panelists was Valerie Taggart, project coordinator for the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Taggart, who is of settler descent and lives with her partner on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin, offered insight on the historical challenges between First Nations communities and the mining sector.
“I have found that historically First Nations people have been told what sustainability is. It's innovative technology, energy efficiency. It's electrifying areas previously dominated by fossil fuels and following parameters laid out by government agencies,” she told attendees, adding, “First Nations people have been told that sustainability is a world issue, and as such requires a worldly approach to lower overall emissions, the human carbon footprint and pollution."
However, she pointed out that for many First Nations communities the concept of sustainability is much more local.
“The health of the land, water and air are paramount to the sustainability of the Algonquin people themselves, whose culture and way of life is deeply rooted in land-based practices like hunting, fishing and trapping, which is their constitutional right,” Taggart explained to the audience.
She also underscored the need for the mining industry to understand its cumulative impact, noting that First Nations are often having conversations with multiple mining companies, not just one.
“First Nations people must endure a higher volume of traffic noise and air pollution, water contamination and all the other negative impacts that come with the day-to-day operations of a mine” she said.
“These are measurable impacts; we know these impacts are present. When the plants are no longer harvestable, the animals are displaced and driven from their homes so that people go hungry.”
Recognizing the potential negative impacts of mining projects on First Nation communities, Taggart emphasized meaningful engagement as a pathway to mitigate these repercussions.
“The Algonquin people of Pikwakanagan feel that the earlier a First Nation becomes aware of and engaged in a project, even as early as the conception phase, the better for all parties,” she said. “The more involved a First Nation is in various studies that aid in the outcome of a project in a real and tangible way, the better the overall outcome of a project.”
She suggested that companies begin First Nations engagement as soon as a viable resource has been defined, while emphasizing the importance of understanding that each community is unique.
“It's really important to reach out and allow them to kind of lead that process and to engage with them as they see fit,” she said. “Because everybody has a different level of comfort in engaging with proponents in their territory.”
Mining companies keen to establish and maintain trust
Mining sector panelists also highlighted the necessity for transparent communication, advocating for community involvement at an early stage, and for the integration of Indigenous experts right from project inception.
For Stephen Crozier, vice president of sustainability at Wyloo, the process begins with establishing trust.
He explained that the mining industry has been less than transparent in the past, and must address this shortcoming in relation to its collaboration with First Nations communities, non-First Nations communities and the general public.
Crozier went on to identify compartmentalization of information as a major hurdle that impedes effective governance and relationship building. To address this issue, he suggested a paradigm shift that he described as the “glass box" approach, which prioritizes comprehensive data collection and structured access.
“It's not a glass box in the sense that this is a transparency initiative, it's far more fundamental than that,” he told the audience at PDAC. “What we want to capture is all of the either structured or unstructured data streams that relate to what it is we're proposing to do — how we're going to engineer it, how we construct it, how we operate and how we commission and provide that picture. (We want to) ensure that we have that data collection so that it's available to navigate, so we can provide access to parties in a structured manner.”
Blair Way, COO and director of Patriot Battery Metals (TSXV:PMET,ASX:PMT,OTCQX:PMETF), said consultation begins at an even earlier stage. Patriot is developing the Corvette lithium project in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec.
The company began engaging with local Cree First Nation community before deploying any “boots on the ground.” The process began during COVID-19 lockdowns and was facilitated primarily through Zoom calls and virtual meetings.
As COVID restrictions eased, community engagement transitioned from virtual platforms to in-person interactions, marking a pivotal shift in dialogue dynamics. “The level of interest that we experienced from those early discussions has fed our relationship from day one,” Way said. “Again, it comes down to the word 'trust' — you talk about what you're doing, you say what you do and do what you say, and do that right from the get go.”
Patriot also brought on First Nations members to work alongside the company and witness the exploration processes.
By openly discussing operations and aligning actions with words, a foundation of trust was established, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, Way noted. With 11 drill rigs now deployed, the Indigenous community remains informed and actively participates in project activities with Patriot.
Using a similar process, Geneviève Morinville, vice president of sustainability and regulatory affairs at Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1,OTCQB:WRSLF), underscored the importance of early consultation and site transparency as well.
“The team saw really quickly that it was important to have a dedicated person towards sustainability and develop the community relations to make sure we were present on the ground,” she commented. “We actually brought folks from elders to the younger generations to come and see what our work was.”
This entailed showcasing equipment and explaining the exploration process. Winsome, which also operates in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, has committed to regularly updating the local Cree First Nation about site activities while soliciting feedback and advice from the community, explained Morinville.
Wrapping up the talk, Taggart reminded panelists and attendees to be respectful of the nations they work alongside.
“Remember the hardships that First Nations people face every day, the systemic racism that they face on job sites and in their life, whether you're engaging with these nations,” she said.
“Take cultural awareness training if it's offered, because it will help you. And the more that you listen to the First Nations communities that you are working with on your projects, the more sustainable your projects will be overall.”
With audio files from Lauren Kelly.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Nevada Sunrise Metals CEO Shares 2024 Plans to Advance Gemini Lithium Project
Nevada Sunrise Metals (TSXV:NEV) President and CEO Warren Stanyer said the company's next steps at its Gemini lithium project in Nevada are to undertake further drilling, bring it to the preliminary economic assessment( PEA) stage and find the right partners to move it forward.
“We drilled five holes right into the spring of 2023. That led to the production of a NI 43-101 compliant resource of 7.1 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, which is beyond our expectations. We really didn't know what we were going to get,” he said. “The deposit is open in basically all directions. So really it's drilling more, getting to the PEA stage (and) attracting a big industry partner. Those are our goals for the project.”
Gemini has emerged as one of the world's largest lithium resources, and the fourth largest in the US, according to Stanyer. And with more drilling planned for the project, the company is preparing to finance the next steps for Gemini.
“At this point, I just feel like the sky's the limit. I don't know how big it will be. But the more holes we drill, the more we'll find out.”
Watch the full interview with Nevada Sunrise Metals President and CEO Warren Stanyer above.
Disclaimer: This interview is sponsored by Nevada Sunrise Metals (TSXV:NEV). This interview provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by Nevada Sunrise Metalsin order to help investors learn more about the company. Nevada Sunrise Metals is a client of INN. The company’s campaign fees pay for INN to create and update this interview.
INN does not provide investment advice and the information on this profile should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. INN does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company profiled.
The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with Nevada Sunrise Metalsand seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
This interview may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The issuer relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. Investing in companies comes with uncertainties as market values can fluctuate.
Galan Investor Presentation Singapore March 2024
Galan Lithium Limited (ASX:GLN) (Galan or the Company) is pleased to present its investor presentation.
This article includes content from Galan Lithium, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
Extension To Share Purchase Plan
Lithium Universe Limited (referred to as "Lithium Universe" or the "Company," ASX: "LU7") provides the following update regarding its $3.0 million Share Purchase Plan (SPP), as announced on 13 March 2024 (ASX release: LU7 Launches Share Purchase Plan).
Highlights
- Revised closing date for the Share Purchase Plan (SPP) is to be 10th April 2024
- Directors confirm their willingness to participate in the SPP
The Company has received feedback from several shareholders that due to the SPP closing date being just after the Easter holiday break, as well as difficulties encountered in shareholder’s taking up their entitlements, the Board has made the decision to extend the SPP offer date by one (1) week. By doing so, this will ensure that all shareholders have sufficient time to participate.
The revised indicative timetable for completion of the SPP is as follows, with the revised dates highlighted in blue *:
*Please note, the dates set out above are indicative only and are subject to change without notice to you. Any change in the timetable does not affect any rights or obligations you have as a result of accepting the SPP.
All LU7 directors who are eligible to participate in the SPP intend on taking up their SPP entitlement.
Should shareholders have any questions in participating in the SPP, including accessing their applications, then please contact the Company’s Joint Company Secretary, Kurt Laney at kurt.laney@vfassociates.com.au.
This article includes content from Lithium Universe Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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